PIRT 2026 conference call for abstracts now open

The organising committee for the 11th Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation (PIC11) has formally opened the call for abstracts, with submissions accepted across six thematic streams. The deadline is 30 April 2026. PIC11 will convene in Noumea, New Caledonia from 7 to 11 September 2026, bringing together conservation scientists, indigenous leaders, policy-makers, and practitioners from across the Pacific and beyond.

The six streams reflect the core priorities of the PIRT 2026 roadmap: marine and coastal ecosystems; terrestrial biodiversity and forests; climate adaptation and resilience; indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge; youth leadership and capacity; and biodiversity finance and justice. Submissions are welcome across all formats — oral presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, lightning talks, and field demonstrations. The programme committee particularly encourages submissions that integrate indigenous and scientific knowledge systems and that present findings from community-led monitoring or conservation projects.

Abstract submissions should be 300 to 500 words and must specify the proposed stream, format, and presenter biography. All abstracts will be reviewed by a programme committee with representation from each of the six streams. Accepted presenters will be notified by 15 June 2026 and will be eligible for a discounted registration rate. Priority travel support is available for early-career researchers and indigenous knowledge holders from Pacific Island Countries and Territories with limited access to research funding.

The full call for abstracts, including submission guidelines and stream descriptions, is available through the PIRT website. Prospective presenters are encouraged to review the programme principles, which prioritise Pacific voices, community relevance, and actionable findings over purely theoretical contributions.